2023 Best Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees
If you have a mind for building and designing technical machinery, earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering online may be the best path for you. Students enrolled in these programs online study a combination of mathematical and engineering practices and theories in order to design complex machines for a variety of human needs. Graduates can explore careers in manufacturing, energy, aerospace, and robotics.
Below you'll find a list of online bachelor's degree programs in mechanical engineering that are ranked by popularity. View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU.
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Online Mechanical Engineering Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In
Arizona State University
ECPI University Online
List Of Accredited Online Mechanical Engineering Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| ECPI University Online | ||
| Old Dominion University | 3,948 | $30,840 |
| University of Alabama | 2,856 | $30,250 |
| Indiana State University | 1,894 | $20,160 |
| University of North Dakota | 1,851 | $15,895 |
ECPI University Online
- Annual Tuition: $16,639
- Locations: Multiple Locations
- Accreditation: SACS COC
ECPI University Online (ECPI) is a private university with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology. This degree requires 124 credit hours, which full-time students can complete in around four years. Approximately 80% of students are accepted into ECPI, and 53% end up leaving with a degree in hand.
ECPI students use Canvas as their primary learning management system, where they can complete courses online and at their own pace. The curriculum for ECPI's mechanical engineering degree is designed to teach students the mathematical equations and scientific processes behind systems designs. It also explores the various tools and techniques used within modern mechanical engineering technologies. Courses include Manufacturing Processes, Applied Engineering Programming, and Graphics Communication. Students are also required to complete a Senior Project. Career opportunities may include roles as industrial engineers, production managers, and mechanical engineering consultants.
Old Dominion University
- Annual Tuition: $30,840
- Locations: Norfolk (VA)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
Old Dominion University's (ODU) Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology includes a specialization in Mechanical Engineering Technology, which explores statistics, computer-aided drafting, automation, and controls. As a large, public institution, ODU is capable of offering four concentrations for this program: (1) Manufacturing Systems, (2) Marine Systems, (3) Mechanical Systems Design, and (4) Mechatronics Systems. This BS requires 120 credit hours, including core courses in Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Design of Machine Elements, and Electrical Laboratory. It normally takes students four years to complete this program in an online environment at a full-time pace. Graduates are ready for roles as facilities operations coordinators, systems designers, and technicians.
ODU uses Canvas for its online coursework. This online program also includes other digital resources, such as academic and technical support as well as free software.
University of Alabama
- Annual Tuition: $30,250
- Locations: Tuscaloosa (AL)
- Accreditation: SACS COC
The University of Alabama is a large, public institution that offers a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. This program requires 126 credit hours and can be completed in four years on a full-time schedule. The coursework takes place mostly online using Blackboard but requires three in-person lab courses as well as additional face-to-face components. The BS in Mechanical Engineering teaches students about complex machines related to automotive, bioengineering, robotics, and power generation. Core courses include Small-Scale Engineering Graphics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, and Engineering Foundations. Engineering career opportunities can be found in your preferred industry, such as automotive, manufacturing, construction, or biomedical.
AU offers students online resources for academic coaching, skill building, writing, and tutoring.
Indiana State University
- Annual Tuition: $20,160
- Locations: Terre Haute (IN)
- Accreditation: HLC
Indiana State University (ISU) is a public institution that features a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology requiring 72 credits. This online program is designed for transfer students with existing credits that meet the school's 120-credit minimum. The average completion time for this degree is around four years for full-time students. Of all the students that apply to ISU, 92% are accepted into their chosen program. Meanwhile, ISU has a 44% graduation rate.
At ISU, students use Canvas as their learning platform, where courses are delivered fully online. The core curriculum for this program centers on two areas: design and management. Students learn practical skills through hands-on learning in computer-aided design and develop professional skills in resource and people management. Here are three examples of required courses: Technical Graphics with CAD, Applied Statics, and Fluid Power Technology. Students must also complete a senior project that's meant to showcase their advanced understanding of design. Career opportunities for graduates may include entering fields such as design, technical sales, installation, manufacturing, and maintenance.
University of North Dakota
- Annual Tuition: $15,895
- Locations: Grand Forks (ND)
- Accreditation: HLC
The University of North Dakota (UND) is a medium-sized, public institution offering a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering requiring 129 credit hours. This program can be completed online within six years or on-campus within four years with a full-time schedule. The coursework is science-based and emphasizes collaboration to solve complex engineering problems. Students can choose between concentrations in Mechanical Design, Thermal Sciences, Aerospace, or Manufacturing and Materials. Courses include Engineering Disasters and Ethics, Intermediate Fluid Mechanics, and Manufacturing Processes. Students must also complete Cooperative Education experiences, which act as internships. Graduates can earn jobs in fields such as medicine, transportation, renewable energy, or manufacturing.
UND uses Blackboard for students' online coursework. Online students can access a variety of student services, including career counseling and tutoring.
Levels of Online Mechanical Engineering Degrees
Online mechanical engineering degrees are available at the bachelor's, master's, doctorate, and certificate levels. Each level prepares future engineers for increasingly advanced roles.
Bachelor's Degree
Undergraduate degrees in this field provide students with an understanding of real-life engineering principles, product design, assembly, the fundamentals of heat transfer, and various programming languages. The curriculum includes foundational chemistry, mathematics, and physics coursework.
Master’s Degree
An online master’s in mechanical engineeringfocuses on product life cycles, graphic simulation computer programs, patent law, the design process, risk assessment, advanced mathematics, and team management. Students may pursue senior engineering roles by choosing a concentration, such as fluids engineering, mechanics and materials, or design and manufacturing.
Doctoral Degree
At this advanced level, students carry out original research in various areas of study, such as nanotechnology, alternative energy technology, and lean manufacturing. A doctoral degree provides an understanding of both classical mechanical concepts and the latest developments and technologies. These mechanical engineering programs may take several years to complete and involve writing and defending a dissertation and open the door to teaching at universities or working in research and development.
Certificate Programs
Students and professionals looking for additional education in a specific concentration may consider procuring a certificate. Mechanical engineering certificate programs cover a range of topics, such as matrix theory, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and electromechanical systems.
Overview of an Online Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is the oldest and broadest engineering field, and it includes several disciplines, such as aerospace engineering, automotive engineering, computer-aided design (CAD), product manufacturing, and energy. You may even take some of these courses as electives to fulfill your graduation requirements and explore potential career paths.
Nearly all mechanical engineers possess at least a bachelor’s degree in either mechanical engineering or a similar engineering field. You can complete these programs online; although, some require on-site lab participation for specific courses. Undergraduate programs typically take four years to complete with a full-time schedule and require 120-130 credit hours. These mechanical engineering bachelor's degree programs may take longer for part-time students to finish.
While a mechanical engineering program may not require an internship, some see this opportunity as a way to gain practical work experience. School advisors can help you find these kinds of hands-on opportunities, which employers consider valuable. Completing a student internship along with your degree can help you build a resume and network with prospective employers.
Can You Get a Mechanical Engineering Degree Online?
Now, more than ever, online degrees are just as respected as in-person programs. Many of the best mechanical engineering schools offer online programs at all levels. Some schools allow you to earn your mechanical engineering degrees online at an accelerated pace, so you can begin your career sooner.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements are similar across all online mechanical engineering bachelor's programs. While prerequisite classes are usually not required, it helps to have completed advanced math, science, and physics classes during high school. This achievement — along with above-average grades — may increase your chances of acceptance into the mechanical engineering program of your choice.
In general, requirements for first-year students include the following:
- High school diploma (alternatively, HSE or GED test scores)
- High school’s four core units in English, three units in Algebra I or higher, three lab science units, and three social studies units
-
- 2.0 minimum GPA
- An application fee that typically ranges between $30-$50
Students may transfer into degree programs with approximately 24-30 credit hours from an accredited institution. Transfer students are not often required to submit standardized test scores for enrollment, but they still need to submit high school transcripts, college transcripts with a minimum 2.5 GPA, and an application fee.
Accredited Mechanical Engineering Programs
Accreditation ensures that schools provide quality education, allowing them to receive federal funding and count the credits of transfer students. Programs, such as those for mechanical engineering degrees, may also be programmatically accredited. Industry-specific boards certify that a program offers curricula that meet the current needs of employers.
The Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology (ABET) is one of the industry-specific boards that accredit engineering, computing, science, and technology degree programs.
ABET examines curricula to verify that it prepares students for future careers in science and technology. Completing an ABET-accredited program will help prepare students for the Professional Engineering exam, which is necessary for licensure. So, when applying to schools, make sure you’re applying to accredited mechanical engineering programs.
Common Courses in an Online Mechanical Engineering Program
In a mechanical engineering program curriculum, students must complete general education courses, core requirements for the major, and electives.
The first two years consist of introductory lower-division courses in writing, computer, math, physics, and science to provide fundamental knowledge for the final two years of upper-division study.
Upper-division courses include more advanced topics that will help you visualize, conceptualize, and design term projects.
Also, taking electives in your areas of interest may help you consider various specializations you could pursue in mechanical engineering.
Below are some classes that remain similar across all mechanical engineering programs:
Introduction to Robotics and Automation
The content of this course covers system design and both the study and simulation of industrial robots in manufacturing automation.
Strength of Materials
In this course, students examine the materials used in science and the effects of stress and pressure on engineering materials, such as pressure vessels, beams, shafts, and columns. Coursework explores how weaknesses, deformation, and design flaws can deteriorate a material’s strength.
Fundamentals of Manufacturing
Faculty arm students with knowledge about theory and provide students with laboratory experience in cutting, inspection, numerical control, chip forming, and newly developed processes.
Electronic Fundamentals
This class explores the electronic components, laws, and theories of electronics and how they apply to force, current, power, and resistance. Content also includes an introduction to power supplies and amplifiers.
Applied Statistics
Students are introduced to statistics in this class, from how to use statistical data to utilizing graphic and analytical methods in order to determine equilibrium, force, and friction on couples, frames, sheaves, trusses, and pulleys.
Unsure about pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering? Explore our complete list of online degrees.
Funding an Online Mechanical Engineering Degree
It’s possible to fund an online degree at the top mechanical engineering schoolsthrough various public and private sources. The best place to start this process is by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By submitting this application, you may qualify for federal grants or scholarships, work-study programs, or low-interest rate federal student loans that offer flexible repayment options.
EXPERT TIP
FAFSA funds are awarded on a first come, first serve basis, so complete the application as early in the year as you can.
Once you discover your eligibility, you can speak with a financial aid officer at your school to see what other options are available. For example, they may offer student employment opportunities or private scholarships. A scholarship is the best way to pay for tuition because it's free money that you don't have to repay, and you don't have to worry about interest rates. Scholarships are also available from national engineering organizations. Membership to an organization may be required, but it’s usually affordable — or even free — for students.
ASME awards undergraduate and graduate scholarships — ranging from $1,500 to $13,000 — to student members enrolled in ABET-accredited mechanical engineering programs through corporate and private partnerships. ASME encourages student members to apply if they have outstanding leadership skills within and outside of ASME, participate in extracurricular activities, and demonstrate a high level of financial need.
ASHRAE awards several undergraduate scholarships worth $3,000 to $10,000 to aspiring engineering students interested in careers in HVAC. Applicants are eligible if they have a 3.0 GPA; three letters of recommendation; proven excellence in academics, character, and leadership; and financial need. Students may reapply each year but can only receive one ASHRAE scholarship at a time.
NACME awards a range of scholarships through private endowments to underrepresented students interested in engineering careers. Overall, they award over $5 million in scholarship funds to increase representation of Black, Latinx, and Native American students in the field of engineering. Recipients may be eligible to continue receiving these scholarships for up to five years. Applicants must have a minimum 2.8 GPA to qualify.
For college affordability tips, students can check out our Guide to Financial Aid for Online Students.
Licensing Requirements for Mechanical Engineering Professionals
Engineers who offer their services directly to the public must be licensed, while those working for engineering firms or companies are not legally required to have licensure. However, since potential employers may still prefer to hire licensed candidates, you may decide to earn a license in order to highlight your skills and experience. This license may come from an organization such as The National Society of Professional Engineers.
Engineers who offer their services directly to the public must be licensed, while those working for engineering firms or companies are not legally required to have licensure.
In most states, obtaining a Professional Engineer license requires the completion of an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree program, four years of relevant work experience, and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering and Fundamentals of Engineering exams. States may have different exam requirements, so check with your state to find the most relevant information.
Careers with a Mechanical Engineering Degree
Employers need skilled mechanical engineers who are creative and analytical but also have effective communication and listening skills in a team setting. Furthermore, competitive job candidates must also have skills in project management, strategic planning, and problem-solving, which can be acquired through a blend of work experience and degree coursework.
A mechanical engineering online degree can prepare you for several gratifying, well-paying career opportunities, such as those indicated below:
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers work in diverse industries, with the highest concentration working in wind energy, metalworking, transportation, and power. Mechanical engineers design, install, test, and maintain equipment.
Aerospace Engineers
Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They confirm that safety and quality standards are met and troubleshoot problems when they arise.
Biomedical Engineers
Biomedical engineers work with scientists to design, install, and maintain medical equipment and devices. They also provide technical support for biomedical equipment and write technical documents.
Health and Safety Engineers
Health and safety engineers develop processes and procedures that protect people from illness and injury and safeguard properties from damage. They ensure compliance with health and safety regulations by identifying potential hazards.
Industrial Engineers
Industrial engineers work to eliminate waste. They devise management control mechanical systems to minimize costs and improve efficiency. Overall, industrial engineers design systems that integrate people, machines, and energy to make products or provide services. Many in this role are mechanical engineer graduates, but online degrees are also offered in industrial engineering, specifically.
Petroleum Engineers
Petroleum engineers design and develop petroleum extraction processes. They also ensure proper installation and operation of equipment while performing regular maintenance. Although petroleum engineers often have mechanical engineering degrees, a chemical engineering degree can also land you a job in this role.
Is an Online Degree in Mechanical Engineering Worth It?
An online mechanical engineering degree may be worth it if you are interested in integrating math, science, and mechanics. In this degree, you'll learn to use analytical and critical thinking skills to implement ideas and create solutions. An ABET-accredited mechanical engineering program illustrates a program’s academic rigor to employers, who rely on ABET’s stamp of approval when hiring skilled engineers.
An online degree's worth not only depends on your interests but also your learning style, financial situation, and professional goals. Understanding the pros and cons of an online mechanical engineering degree can help you make an informed decision.
Potential Benefits
- The take-home pay is high for most mechanical engineers. Mechanical engineers earn over twice the annual median salary of all other occupations.
- Several national engineering organizations provide a sense of community and support. Students often join organizations in the industry, such as ASME and ASHRAE, while in school and continue these memberships throughout their careers because they offer continued education, career opportunities, and networking events.
- You can save money by attending school online. Many schools charge flat or in-state tuition rates for online programs, which is often cheaper than getting a degree in person. Institutions may also waive various student fees, and you won't have to worry about the expense of commuting to and from campus.
Potential Drawbacks
- An online ME degree may require some on-campus coursework. Completing the required labwork can be challenging if you don't live close to your school. It could also be difficult to schedule the time to complete this work while juggling other responsibilities.
- Math, physics, and statistics can be demanding to learn, and these subjects largely make up this discipline. If you find math and science courses especially challenging, you may not enjoy taking mechanical engineering courses.
- There's a significant gender pay gap for female mechanical engineers. A 2020 Stanford study finds that female mechanical engineers with the same educational background as their male counterparts earn 15% less, which some may find discouraging.
Bottom Line
Earning your mechanical engineering degree online can be a great way to start your career and achieve your goals. The best schools for mechanical engineering offer online programs that are fully accredited and well-respected. If you’re interested in working as an aerospace engineer, electrical engineer, industrial engineer, or one of the many other options for graduates of a mechanical engineering online degree, then explore different programs and decide which school is right for you.
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